Leader of burnt-down mosque supports Trump’s immigration ban

A Texas mosque went up in flames, and the community’s leader wouldn’t point fingers at Trump supporters. (Photo via GoFundMe)

The leader of a Victoria, Texas mosque that went up in flames this past weekend is well reasoned, like many religious leaders. After his Muslim community’s place of worship burnt down, he wouldn’t politicize the unfortunate event by blaming Trump supporters. He even supports Trump’s executive order to halt immigration from seven Muslim majority countries.

Shaid Hashmi (no relation to the author), president of the Victoria Islamic Center, found the mosque gutted and charred, telling International Business Times, “The entire building was destroyed.”

“It could perhaps be an electrical problem from inside,” he said. “We don’t know the situation right now … don’t know if it was set intentionally or if it was an accident.”

No theories yet from fire marshal about how a Victoria mosque was engulfed in flames early Saturday morning. pic.twitter.com/5vJjHYiZra

He wouldn’t even suspect that arson was the cause or that a Trump supporter committed it, saying, “I’m not going to get political about it. There is no reason to get political about it at all.”

In an age where divisive rhetoric earns you headlines, TV appearances, and oftentimes financial gains, Hashmi is taking the high road. While many Muslims have earned the sympathy from anti-Trump liberals, the Victoria Islamic Center president wanted none of it.

What’s even more puzzling, at least to other Muslims, is Hashmi’s support President Trump’s ban on refugees coming from Syria, Iraq, Iran, Libya, Yemen, Sudan, and Somalia. He’s got no problem with it.

“The president has chosen to restrict certain countries, he is our president.” Hashmi said. “I respect his decision, unless if it comes to the point where it will hurt innocent people, then we won’t support that. Just because Muslims made the terrorist attack in the past that doesn’t mean every Muslim is bad. It’s not religious fault; it’s those people who are not following their true fate. Muslims are good people.”

A GoFundMe page was started and raised over $1 million to pay for damages.